Will The Conjuring: Last Rites Truly Be the Final Chapter? Exploring the Future of the Franchise

The Conjuring: Last Rites, released on September 5, 2025, has been marketed as the final chapter for Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga.

With a massive $83 million domestic opening weekend and mixed but passionate reviews, the film has reignited debates about whether this horror juggernaut will truly end.

Boasting over $2 billion in global box office earnings across its franchise, the Conjuring Universe seems far from exorcised.

This article dives into the film’s performance, its narrative setup for future stories, and the tantalizing hints of what’s next, blending verified details with speculative fun.

Highlights:

• Box Office Success: The Conjuring: Last Rites grossed $83 million domestically in its opening weekend, a franchise best.

• Critical Reception: The film holds a 56% “rotten” rating on Rotten Tomatoes but is praised for emotional depth and scares.

• Finale Claims: James Wan and cast confirm it’s the Warrens’ last film, but New Line hints at a “Phase Two” for the franchise.

• New Characters: Judy Warren and Tony Spera are introduced as potential successors to carry the series forward.

• Future Projects: A Conjuring TV series is in development for Max, with rumors of a fourth Annabelle film.

Why Did the Film Perform So Well at the Box Office?

The Conjuring: Last Rites stormed the box office with an $83 million domestic debut, marking the franchise’s strongest opening and pushing horror genre earnings past $1 billion domestically in 2025.

This success reflects the Conjuring Universe’s enduring appeal, driven by its blend of real-life-inspired terror and the chemistry between Wilson and Farmiga. Posts on X have called it a “fright fest” and a “loving tribute,” highlighting its emotional resonance and top-notch scares.

The film’s release during a horror-friendly September, coupled with its IMAX rollout, likely fueled its numbers, proving audiences still crave the Warrens’ paranormal adventures.

The strong performance suggests Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema see untapped potential, despite the “finale” branding. The franchise’s consistent ability to dominate, with seven of its nine films opening above $40 million, makes a complete end seem unlikely.

How Do Reviews Impact the Franchise’s Future?

Critics have given The Conjuring: Last Rites mixed reviews, with a 56% Rotten Tomatoes score, down from an initial 65%. While some noted pacing and story issues, others praised its “frightful, fitting send-off” with standout performances and an emotional core.

Reviewers like Matt Zoller Seitz highlighted its legacy sequel approach, setting up new characters while delivering closure for the Warrens.

Fan reactions on X echo this, with users calling it “the perfect ending” filled with Easter eggs, suggesting strong audience approval despite critical divides.

This reception indicates the film satisfies core fans, which could encourage producers to explore new stories. The emotional weight and scare factor keep the franchise’s reputation intact, making it a viable platform for future expansions.

Is This Really the End for Ed and Lorraine Warren?

James Wan, the franchise’s creator, confirmed in July 2024 that The Conjuring: Last Rites marks the “end of an era” for Ed and Lorraine, with director Michael Chaves and stars Wilson and Farmiga echoing this sentiment.

The film, based on the 1970s Smurl family haunting, is designed as their final on-screen case, wrapping up 12 years of their portrayals. Yet, Wan’s comments to Collider hint at possibilities, noting the “rich lore” of the Warrens’ real-life cases.

He’s cagey about a “Phase Two” but doesn’t rule it out, suggesting the door remains ajar for new stories.

The film’s narrative cleverly introduces Judy Warren (Mia Tomlinson) and Tony Spera (Ben Hardy) as potential successors, a move praised in reviews for setting up a next generation. This setup, combined with Wan’s reluctance to “soil the legacy,” implies the Warrens’ story may end, but their world won’t.

What Could a New Conjuring Movie Look Like?

While The Conjuring: Last Rites closes the Warrens’ arc, the franchise’s infrastructure supports continuation. New Line Cinema’s Richard Brener called it the end of “Phase One,” teasing a “Phase Two” that could focus on Judy and Tony.

The film’s plot, involving a haunted mirror and a 1964 flashback, plants seeds for new paranormal tales, potentially exploring Judy’s supernatural sensitivity. A Max TV series is already in development, and rumors swirl about a fourth Annabelle film, though unconfirmed.

Fan demand for spin-offs, like a Crooked Man film, remains strong, and Wan acknowledges the Warrens’ lore offers endless stories. A new movie could shift to Judy and Tony tackling fresh hauntings, perhaps tying into the Smurl case’s unresolved threads or exploring new real-life cases. The franchise’s $2 billion global haul makes it a safe bet for Warner Bros. to continue.

Could Box Office and Fan Support Override the Finale Narrative?

The $83 million opening and franchise’s track record suggest financial incentives for more films. Horror’s 2025 dominance, with Last Rites pushing the genre past $1 billion domestically, shows audience hunger for quality scares.

If Judy and Tony resonate with viewers, as hinted in reviews, New Line could greenlight a new mainline film or spin-off. Posts on X praise the “family dynamics” and “unwaveringly unnerving” tone, indicating fans are open to a new era. The TV series for Max further signals the universe’s expansion, potentially testing new characters before a theatrical leap.

Speculatively, a new film could pivot to a younger cast while retaining the Conjuring’s signature blend of emotional stakes and jump scares, possibly revisiting artifacts from the Warrens’ occult museum.

The franchise’s ability to evolve, as seen in Annabelle and The Nun, supports this possibility.What Lies Ahead for the Conjuring Universe?The Conjuring: Last Rites may close the book on Ed and Lorraine Warren, but its box office triumph and strategic narrative choices suggest the Conjuring Universe is far from finished.

Some Closing Thoughts:

With an $83 million debut, a 56% Rotten Tomatoes score balanced by fan love, and a setup for Judy and Tony, the franchise is poised for a “Phase Two.”

Whether through a new movie or the upcoming Max series, the horror juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down.

Fans can expect more chills, possibly with new faces carrying the Warrens’ legacy into uncharted supernatural territory.

Keep your rosary beads close as the Conjuring Universe continues to haunt.